February 01, (THEWILL) – Atalanta’s Serie A title hopes suffered another setback following a 1-1 draw with Torino at the Gewiss Stadium. The result extends their disappointing run to just one victory in six league matches, marking a significant decline from their previous streak of 11 consecutive wins in Italy’s top flight.
The home side found the breakthrough via Berat Djimsiti, who converted Raoul Bellanova’s corner with a powerful header past Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Earlier, Bellanova had seen his own strike disallowed for handball, dampening initial celebrations against his former club.
Torino responded through Guillermo Maripan, who met Valentino Lazaro’s free-kick delivery to equalise from close range. The visitors then withstood sustained pressure from Atalanta, with a crucial moment arriving when Milinkovic-Savic denied Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot – the goalkeeper’s third penalty save this season.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s team pressed forward throughout the second half but found themselves frustrated by Torino’s defensive organisation. A VAR review for a potential handball by Saul Coco in the penalty area went against the hosts, further adding to their frustrations on a difficult evening.
The result leaves Atalanta at risk of losing ground to both Napoli and Inter Milan in the Serie A standings, while Torino extended their unbeaten league run to six matches. Atalanta’s case is worsened by the fact that star forward Ademola Lookman has been sidelined by injury until at least mid-February.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
